The Room of Requirement had shifted, transforming into a vast, open expanse resembling an ancient training ground — filled with stone pillars, wooden dummies, and platforms for parkour-like movements. Harry stood there, his pulse quickening. Marcus Altair watched from the shadows, his eyes gleaming beneath his hood.
"Your mind is sharp, Harry," Marcus said, walking toward him. "But intellect alone won't win the battles you're about to face. The Brotherhood teaches its disciples that you must become one with the shadows — learn to strike before your enemy sees you coming. Magic is powerful, but stealth is your greatest weapon."
Harry nodded, feeling the weight of his destiny settle more heavily on his shoulders. The revelation that his mother had been both a witch and an assassin still burned fresh in his mind. Everything he had learned about her was incomplete — a half-truth veiling the extraordinary legacy she had left behind.
"I've been trained in magic my whole life," Harry said, his voice firm. "I've faced dark wizards and survived Voldemort. What's different about this?"
"Magic is one side of the coin," Marcus replied, circling him. "But the Brotherhood trains more than just wizards. Your Potter lineage was unique because it blended both worlds — intelligence, magic, and skill. The Brotherhood wasn't built on power alone, but on knowledge and discipline."
With a swift motion, Marcus tossed a small blade toward Harry. Instinctively, Harry dodged, but the knife wasn't aimed at him. It embedded itself into a wooden pillar behind him, a hair's breadth from where he had just stood. Harry turned sharply, eyes wide.
Marcus smirked. "Lesson one: Never trust your surroundings. Always be aware. Your instincts are good, but they're raw."
Harry felt his heart pounding, but he wasn't intimidated. In fact, a part of him relished the challenge. Hogwarts had tested his magical abilities, but this — this was different. This was something far more primal, far more exhilarating.
"Alright," Harry said, catching his breath. "Where do we start?"